Former Penacook man sentenced to 10 years for trafficking drugs

A former Penacook man has received a 10-year federal prison sentence for trafficking drugs in the Tilton area last fall.

The sentence was handed down Wednesday against Bryan Franklin, 42, who pleaded guilty in May to unlawful possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Franklin was arrested Sept. 24 following a motor vehicle stop on Laconia Road in Tilton. Tilton police Officer Jeremiah Trott stopped a beat-up old Acura driven by Franklin after observing a fake inspection sticker taped to the car’s windshield, according to court records. During the traffic stop, a woman pulled up in a new Toyota Tundra, which Franklin told police he owned but was letting a friend drive so he could buy the Acura.

Trott said he was familiar with Franklin after previous narcotics investigations and, in his own mind, questioned whether the man had pawned the vehicle for drugs or taken it for unpaid debt, the affidavit says.

Authorities subsequently searched both vehicles, which they said contained drug paraphernalia, cash and weapons. More specifically, they seized a lockbox containing $15,958, as well as 750 grams of fentanyl, 17 grams of methamphetamine, assorted prescription pills, digital scales, multiple needles and a backpack containing a loaded semi-automatic handgun reported stolen in Boston. They also found two knives and an ax.

As part of the plea deal, Franklin agreed to forfeit the $15,958 and the stolen Smith & Wesson .45-caliber handgun.

In a statement Wednesday, acting U.S. Attorney John Farley said the investigation and prosecution of those trafficking opioids in New Hampshire remains a top priority for law enforcement and prosecutors.

Michael Ferguson, special agent in charge, echoed those sentiments.

“Those suffering from the disease of opioid addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” Ferguson said. “But, those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are committed to bringing to justice those that distribute this poison.”